A heroic soldier who rescued seven colleagues after their lorry plunged into a river in Afghanistan has enjoyed some VIP treatment from his proud family at his homecoming party.

Corporal Andrew Griffin will be receiving a bravery award in honour of his courageous actions last year although it will be tinged with sadness as he could not save one of his best friends who become trapped and drowned in the accident on a river in Sangin.

The military policeman has spent the last six months in Afghanistan and returned to a hero’s welcome yesterday as his family from Leamore in Bloxwich threw a party for him.

But his time in England has been short as he jetted off to Mexico today with his girlfriend Leanne for a well-deserved two week holiday.

Corporal Griffin, aged 25, is in the 101 Provost Company 5th Regiment of The Royal Military Police based in Germany. He spent time on military duty in Ireland and Iraq before serving in Afghanistan.

He showed such courage when the lorry he was travelling in plunged into a river at Sangin that he has been nominated to receive a bravery award in the summer but at this stage it is not clear what medal he will receive.

He said: “I began pulling people out of the lorry. I managed to save seven colleagues but one of my mates had been trapped and when I got to him he was already dead.”

Cpl Griffin said he was looking forward to some rest and relaxation.

“I am really pleased to be back and I am really looking forward to a holiday now with my girlfriend. I have two months off so I am also going to go and play some golf.”

His interest in joining the army first developed while he was a member of Great Wyrley Scouts. He later joined Walsall Marine Cadets at the age of 13 and finally the army when he was 18. He has a father Ray and a sister Claire.

His proud mother Rona said: “It is great to have him back even for just a short time. He has spent the last six months in Afghanistan and we wanted to throw him a nice party on his return. He has had quite an emotional last six months.

“He helped to save seven of his friends after a lorry plunged into a river but tragically one of his best friends died. He is a hero in our eyes. He has always wanted a career in the army and now he is living out his dream. We are so proud of him.”